Kathy Jo (Swanson) Bakken (65), passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 in Rochester, MN. She was born on November 9, 1958, in Albert Lea, MN. Kathy was baptized and confirmed at Round Prairie Lutheran Church in Glenville, and graduated from Emmons High School.

Kathy Jo Bakken

Kathy brought joy and warmth to all those around her. In her youth, Kathy enjoyed carefree days where she would spend time with her cousins making mud pies and creating lasting memories. She later found love and companionship in her husband Danny Bakken, whom she married at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on January 10, 1981. Together they welcomed two sons, Chad and Corey.

Kathy found joy in raising her sons, always putting them first. She loved being at all their school events and sports activities. She taught Sunday School for a few years at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea while Chad and Corey were young. Being a grandmother to her four grandchildren was one of Kathy’s greatest blessings and she loved doing activities with them such as coloring, watching cartoons, and eating ice cream. Kathy also enjoyed tending to flowers around her home and making her Special K Bars, which were a beloved treat among family and friends.

Besides her love for her family, Kathy also had a lot of love for animals. She had pets throughout her life, including cats, dogs, and even racoons and a squirrel!

Kathy’s professional journey was marked by passion and dedication, working as a cosmetic consultant at the Lancôme counter at Herberger’s. Her nurturing spirit also shone through as a nursing assistant at a local nursing home, and a caregiver for children at her in-home daycare.

Left to cherish Kathy’s memory are her husband of 43 years, Danny Bakken; sons, Chad (Gretchen) Bakken, Corey (Dani) Bakken; grandchildren; Brayden, Grace, Eloise, Carolyn, Baby Boy Bakken; mother, Olive (Vernon) Schroeder; sister, Connie (Howard) Honsey; sister-in-law, Kim Swanson; brother-in-law, Alan (Bonnie) Bakken; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kathy is preceded in death by her father, David Swanson; brother, Dan Swanson; grandparents; brother-in-law, James Bakken; and parents-in-law, Herschel and Lorraine Bakken.

Kathy’s legacy of compassion and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. In honor of her life, the family will be holding private services.